Hey folks, welcome. Before we get started talking about any products or brands, we owe you full disclosure on our relationship with the company whose products we are talking about, whether we paid for the parts or were given them for free. Our goals with product reviews and install videos going forward is to provide transparency and good sound advice and information regarding the subject at hand.
DISCLAIMER
So BLUF (bottom line up front) we have been a Banks Power dealer for a few years and have used their parts on our own as well as customer vehicles. There was no exchange of money or promises to talk favorably about their products. Initially, we received the pre-production prototype for free in order to help with fitment and testing. We already owned the truck and several iDash units (which we paid for) from previous projects. The final production version was sent to us to confirm fitment at no cost. We incurred some cost during the test fitting of the prototype unit (we'll get to that in the review). Since the install we've purchased several more of the exact same pod and they are all exactly the same.
PROTOTYPE FITMENT
So starting with the pre-production prototype. Delivery was fairly quick flash to bang, packaging was good as expected. There was the disclaimer that it wasn't a finished prototype and would have some R&D markings on it. No issues for a test fit. Following the Banks install video for disassembly, marking and drilling the factory handle was pretty easy. Where things became tricky, the supplied bolt/washer were not even close to working with this pod/handle/truck combo. Not sure if they were just scooped up in the engineering room and tossed in, warehouse made a mistake or what, no clue.
Either way we ended up needing to make a trip to a fastener store to get what we needed. A 15min trip and $10 later and we had a solution to our first problem. Once we had confirmed that our new bolt would engaged the factory threads, we were in business. We started to reinstall and fit the pod, it was at this time, that we knew we had some fitment issues. We promptly took pictures and supplied them to Banks for verification and fitment changes. Now remember, this was an agreed pre-production sample and testing. This isn't the version you'll receive. (We'll show you that at the end)
After sending pictures and measurements up to Banks, they did a confirmation on their end to make sure that no differences in dimensions were apparent between our field truck and their R&D truck. Changes happened and production pod tweaks were made. After install of the prototype pod, the functionality was perfect, the iDash fit snugly, the cable routing was smooth with no snags and the install aside from the hardware struggles was fairly easy. Lets call this a 75% solution. 100% would be a completely OEM+ fitment that looks and performs like it came from the factory.
PRODUCTION POD
We ended up receiving the production pod and our initial stocking order the same day. So we unpacked and popped out one of the new pods to replace our prototype unit. A quick comparison before install showed that fitment had definitely changed some and Banks had made the tweaks required for a better fit.
In we went with the new Stealth Pod. The revised/updated fitment was apparent and we are comfortable calling this a 90-95% fitment solution. It's much more flush with the pillar, gaps are more uniform, the hardware engages the threads easily and comes with supplied tools for both drilling and tightening hardware. All in all, this is a win. A far superior option for mounting the iDash in your 2022+ Tundra and we expect more of the same in all the other platforms Banks is developing the Stealth Pods for. Color match is truly very close to the stock dark pillars but may need to be painted if color matching is your thing for the trucks with the tan (lighter) pillars. All in all, a very good option for the 3rd Generation Tundra owner.
IDASH 1.8 SUPER GAUGE
To review the iDash in its entirety would be difficult as it is so multifaceted and capable particularly for the price point that there simply isn't any competition. As we mentioned previously, these iDash 1.8 Super Gauges were purchased by us the same as anyone else purchasing would, by swiping our credit cards in the most fun and irresponsible way possible. It's build season!
So in order to sum up the iDash, in a standard gauge size package you gain real-time data monitoring, a customizable display, datalogging (with the Datamonster model), diagnostics (reading/clearing codes) as well as performing emissions related service functions on many diesel models. This alone makes an iDash worth its weight in gold.
2022+ TUNDRA SPECIFIC SETUP
Since we have a brand new Tundra in front of us, we figured would update the iDash with the latest firmware to make sure we have the latest and greatest capabilities on board. (Banks is always developing firmware updates for new vehicles and adding capabilities so this is worth doing). We will give you folks a full update page on our website with directions step by step so it's all easy to find.
We did indeed have an update for firmware and promptly installed firmware version 5.1.24 to our SD card. We brought it outside, loaded it into our iDash Datamonster and away we went. After the system restart, you'll be at a generic starting point. This is where you get to start tailoring the iDash setup for your specific vehicle.
Navigate to Settings > Vehicle Selection > Toyota and the device will reboot once more with the Toyota specific settings and PID's loaded. The higher trim levels in the Tundra do come with a visually appealing Tow Gauge option for the right side of the dash. The problem with this is that Toyota provides almost no reference marks. You simply get a bar style gauge with a red (warning) zone at the top of the bars. Turbocharger Boost does have 3 graduations on the gauge. 0/10/20psi respectively. Not exactly the precision you'd want. Perfect spot to insert the iDash. The layout we chose for utility and ease of use was the 6 gauge layout in the options on the iDash. We recommend the following gauge selections for monitoring, Boost, AFR1/1 (Air/Fuel Ratio), MAT (Manifold Air Temp), ECT (Engine Coolant Temp), Trans T (Transmission Fluid Temp) and EOT (Engine Oil Temp). All of these selections will now give you a precise digital readout with actual numbers. You'll now know if your vehicle has reached operating temperatures/pressures and you'll have an easier time identifying a heat/pressure related issue before an actual problem happens. It saves your MIN/MAX for each parameter in a separate menu so you can look back and check to see what your extremes were.
THEMED SETUP
Since the Tundra has multiple drive modes and the iDash has tons of options for color combinations, we are going to give you some template layouts for each drive mode that correspond best to the dash color. Navigate to Settings > Layout Theme Colors > from here you will see each section.
- Background
- Label
- Divider
- Bar Graph
- Button
For our purposes the color recommendations will be in this order.
Eco Mode
- Background: Black
- Label: Dark Blue
- Divider: White
- Bar Graph: Light Red
- Button: Light Blue
Comfort Mode
- Background: Black
- Label: Grey
- Divider: White
- Bar Graph: Light Red
- Button: Light Blue
Normal Mode
- Background: Black
- Label: Dark Grey
- Divider: White
- Bar Graph: Light Red
- Button: Light Blue
Sport S Mode
- Background: Black
- Label: Dark Red
- Divider: White
- Bar Graph: Light Red
- Button: Light Blue
Sport + Mode
- Background: Black
- Label: Red
- Divider: White
- Bar Graph: Light Red
- Button: Light Blue
Whether you’re a performance enthusiast looking to squeeze every ounce of power from your Tundra or simply want to stay ahead of maintenance issues, the Banks Power iDash 1.8 Super Gauge and Stealth Pod Mount are must-have upgrades. Experience the difference for yourself and take control of your driving experience. When it comes to an overall rating for each portion of these products, we'll break it down in a 1-5 Stars rating across 4 categories. Difficulty of Installation, Purchase Price, Fit and Finish, Performance.
Stealth Pod
Difficulty of Installation: 4/5 Stars Fairly easy, comes with required tools but does require permanent modification of the stock handle.
Purchase Price: 4/5 Stars Decently priced against other less OEM like options across the segment. It's at the top for price but is much more than a stick on suction cup.
Fit & Finish: 3/5 Stars Fit and finish was much improved after the prototype phase but we would still like to see some of the gaps tightened up. From the drivers seat, this is a non issue. We're just picky.
Performance: 5/5 Stars From the OEM like textures, to the well routed cable pathing behind the dash and pillar into the pod, this was a homerun. It's stable, it's minimalist and it just plain works.
iDash 1.8 Super Gauge
Difficulty of Installation: 5/5 Stars It doesn't get much easier than the iDash in regards to installation. OBD2 connector plugs into the stock port under the dash, cable is routed behind the factory trim and it plugs into the back of the gauge. The gauge simply press fits into the pod, Done.
Purchase Price: 5/5 Stars This will be a point of discussion. While the iDash is more expensive than a traditional single analog gauge, it is substantially cheaper than competitor full screen style monitors. It's truly capable of up to 8 gauge functions in a single unit which would cost you between $450-800 for a rectangle digital monitor or 8 analog gauges. This is far less cluttered as well.
Fit & Finish: 4/5 Stars Fit and finish on the iDash is great. The screen is easy to read, its customizable and allows you to make it your own. It's simple and effective. It does throw back to the 60's a little bit with the round shape but again, it just works.
Performance: 5/5 Stars Performance is where the iDash truly extends the lead in the monitoring realm. The PIDs just work, they work. Not sometimes, not mostly, they work. It doesn't freeze, it doesn't have undecipherable code names for PID's so it's easy to find what you need and put it to work. The diagnostics and service section works well and often receives updates from Banks. If there ever is an issue, their customer support is on it. The datalogging works great if you opt for the Datamonster version.
As a combined unit, we have to say we're happy that our first products we reviewed were good ones. (Even if it was a little bit of a wait during the prototype phase) This monitoring setup will prove to be invaluable for owners adding intakes, exhaust, inline tuners and flash tuning now that we're seeing that come to market. FINALLY!! We hope you enjoyed and if you have any suggestions, questions or comments please feel free to engage us about them. We'd love to hear from you.
iDash 1.8 Super Gauge $295 (Standard Super Gauge)
iDash 1.8 Datamonster $419 (Datalogging Super Gauge)
Stealth Pod Mounts $109 (Various Vehicles)